19,331 research outputs found
Some expectations and perceptions of electronic transfer of prescription systems
This article summarises the findings of five focus group sessions discussing the Electronic Transfer of Prescriptions (ETP), held in 2003 at Salford and Huddersfield Universities. The aim of this evaluation was to ascertain the views of the stakeholders towards the introduction of ETP and views on existing ETP pilot models. The eight hypotheses identified as most important from the findings [1] are described
Phased array-fed antenna configuration study
The scope of this contract entails a configuration study for a phased array fed transmit antenna operating in the frequency band of 17.7 to 20.2 GHz. This initial contract provides a basis for understanding the design limitations and advantages of advanced phased array and cluster feeds (both utilizing intergral MMIC modules) illuminating folded reflector optics (both near field and focused types). Design parametric analyses are performed utilizing as constraints the objective secondary performance requirements of the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (Table 1.0). The output of the study provides design information which serves as a data base for future active phased array fed antenna studies such as detailed designs required to support the development of a ground tested breadboard. In general, this study is significant because it provides the antenna community with an understanding of the basic principles which govern near field phased scanned feed effects on secondary reflector system performance. Although several articles have been written on analysis procedures and results for these systems, the authors of this report have observed phenomenon of near field antenna systems not previously documented. Because the physical justification for the exhibited performance is provided herein, the findings of this study add a new dimension to the available knowledge of the subject matter
Phased array-fed antenna configuration study: Technology assessment
Spacecraft array fed reflector antenna systems were assessed for particular application to a multiple fixed spot beam/multiple scanning spot beam system. Reflector optics systems are reviewed in addition to an investigation of the feasibility of the use of monolithic microwave integrated circuit power amplifiers and phase shifters in each element of the array feed
‘‘There’s so much more to it than what I initially thought’’: Stepping into researchers’ shoes with a class activity in a first year psychology survey course
In psychology, it is widely agreed that research methods, although central to the discipline, are particularly challenging to learn and teach, particularly at introductory level. This pilot study explored the potential of embedding a student-conducted research activity in a one-semester undergraduate Introduction to Psychology survey course, with the aims of (a) engaging students with the topic of research methods; (b) developing students’ comprehension and application of research methods concepts; and (c) building students’ ability to link research with theory. The research activity explored shoe ownership, examining gender differences and relationships with age, and linking to theories of gender difference and of consumer identity. The process of carrying out the research and reflecting on it created a contextualized, active learning environment in which students themselves raised many issues that research methods lectures seek to cover. Students also wrote richer assignments than standard first year mid-term essay
Exclusive B-meson Rare Decays and General Relations of Form Factors in Effective Field Theory of Heavy Quarks
B meson rare decays ( and ) are
analyzed in the framework of effective field theory of heavy quarks. The
semileptonic and penguin type form factors for these decays are calculated by
using the light cone sum rules method at the leading order of
expansion. Four exact relations between the two types of form factors are
obtained at the leading order of expansion. Of particular, the
relations are found to hold for whole momentum transfer region. We also
investigate the validity of the relations resulted from the large energy
effective theory based on the general relations obtained in the present
approach. The branching ratios of the rare decays are presented and their
potential importance for extracting the CKM matrix elements and probing new
physics is emphasized.Comment: 23 pages, Revtex, 32 figures, published version with the errors of
numerical results caused by the computer program are correcte
The use of portfolios in the assessment of learning and competence
Fundamentally what this paper seeks to answer are questions founded on earlier and recent investigation on the quality of educational provision. Namely, inquiry of knowledge and how it is grounded in theory; the adequate provision for critical reflection, and whether clear indications of clinical competency amongst nursing and midwifery students are evident upon qualification. Both nationally and locally, solutions have been met with many responses. In short, portfolios have been seen as a way forward in the support of professional development. Since 1995 it has been compulsory for all nurses, midwives and health visitors to complete a portfolio profile in order to register. Initially portfolios were designed to ensure that the profession would display a range of evidence incorporating knowledge, skills and attitudes (Standard 13 ENB 1997), ensuring the long term prospects of quality of care required to meet the changing health care needs of the public (ENB 1991a). Essentially, however, comprehensive evidence of portfolios is still under scrutiny as to whether they provide a synthesised process of continual professional development that will also serve as an authentic assessment of teaching, learning and clinical competence. Such scrutiny is not surprising when statutory bodies including the ENB are continually involved in the promotion of improved training methods (Gerrish 1997) aiming for the highest quality assurance in educational provision. Hence, a systematic literature review like this is timely in that portfolios remain an issue which is still open to debate in light of recent initiatives in nursing and midwifery education (UKCC 1999; DoH 1999)
Relaxation energies and excited state structures of poly(para-phenylene)
We investigate the relaxation energies and excited state geometries of the
light emitting polymer, poly(para-phenylene). We solve the
Pariser-Parr-Pople-Peierls model using the density matrix renormalization group
method. We find that the lattice relaxation of the dipole-active
state is quite different from that of the state and the
dipole-inactive state. In particular, the state is
rather weakly coupled to the lattice and has a rather small relaxation energy
ca. 0.1 eV. In contrast, the and states are strongly
coupled with relaxation energies of ca. 0.5 and ca. 1.0 eV, respectively. By
analogy to linear polyenes, we argue that this difference can be understood by
the different kind of solitons present in the , and
states. The difference in relaxation energies of the
and states accounts for approximately one-third of the exchange
gap in light-emitting polymers.Comment: Submitted to Physical Review
Heavy to Light Meson Exclusive Semileptonic Decays in Effective Field Theory of Heavy Quark
We present a general study on exclusive semileptonic decays of heavy (B, D,
B_s) to light (pi, rho, K, K^*) mesons in the framework of effective field
theory of heavy quark. Transition matrix elements of these decays can be
systematically characterized by a set of wave functions which are independent
of the heavy quark mass except for the implicit scale dependence. Form factors
for all these decays are calculated consistently within the effective theory
framework using the light cone sum rule method at the leading order of 1/m_Q
expansion. The branching ratios of these decays are evaluated, and the heavy
and light flavor symmetry breaking effects are investigated. We also give
comparison of our results and the predictions from other approaches, among
which are the relations proposed recently in the framework of large energy
effective theory.Comment: 18 pages, ReVtex, 5 figures, added references and comparison of
results, and corrected signs in some formula
Non-existence of Skyrmion-Skyrmion and Skyrmion-anti-Skyrmion static equilibria
We consider classical static Skyrmion-anti-Skyrmion and Skyrmion-Skyrmion
configurations, symmetric with respect to a reflection plane, or symmetric up
to a -parity transformation respectively. We show that the stress tensor
component completely normal to the reflection plane, and hence its integral
over the plane, is negative definite or positive definite respectively.
Classical Skyrmions always repel classical Skyrmions and classical Skyrmions
always attract classical anti-Skyrmions and thus no static equilibrium, whether
stable or unstable, is possible in either case. No other symmetry assumption is
made and so our results also apply to multi-Skyrmion configurations. Our
results are consistent with existing analyses of Skyrmion forces at large
separation, and with numerical results on Skymion-anti-Skyrmion configurations
in the literature which admit a different reflection symmetry. They also hold
for the massive Skyrme model. We also point out that reflection symmetric
self-gravitating Skyrmions or black holes with Skyrmion hair cannot rest in
symmetric equilibrium with self-gravitating anti-Skyrmions.Comment: v2 Typos corrected, refs added. v3 Journal versio
- …